Engineering Programme Manager

Ultra Electronics Group; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working within core hours

25 days holiday (185 hrs) plus bank

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Health benefits

Job summary

Ultra Precision Control Systems (UltraPCS), a division of Eaton, seeks an Engineering Programme Manager to lead development and production programmes in defence and aerospace. The role covers strategy, planning, execution and control, with accountability for costs, schedules and risks.

You will direct cross‑functional teams, maintain integrated master schedules, manage budgets, and report progress to customers while ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Qualifications

• APM PPQ or in process, or a relevant engineering degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• Experience managing high‑value programmes and budgets.
• Experience in conflict and priority management and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Manage high‑value programmes from strategy to delivery.
• Develop and maintain schedules with WBS/OBS/PBS using MS Project.
• Control budgets and resources across multi‑project portfolios.
• Mitigate risks and drive issue and change management.
• Coordinate with customers and suppliers to meet objectives.

Skills

APM PPQ

Eng. degree

5+ years PM

Stakeholder mgmt

Risk & schedule mgmt

Financial & cost control

Customer engagement

Team leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

IFS ERP

Job description

Ultra Precision Control Systems (UltraPCS), a division of Eaton, is a leading developer of mission‑ and safety‑critical equipment in the defence and aerospace industry. We foster a safe work environment and a positive culture where every staff member feels valued and respected. Our engineering solutions support the latest military aircraft and vehicles, civil aircraft, and unmanned vehicles, enabling our customers to achieve their objectives safely.

Flexible Working – We consider hybrid, home/office, flexible, part‑ or full‑time employment to suit your lifestyle.

Position Summary

Engineering Programme Manager – responsible for strategy, planning, execution, and control of development and production programmes. The role controls programme costs, manages adherence to technical and schedule performance plans, manages risks, and interfaces directly with customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Successful management and control of high‑value, complex projects and programmes in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Experience within a product design and development business using the concept of Product Lifecycle Management.
• Excellent knowledge of scheduling techniques to create WBS, OBS, and PBS.
• Competent in creating, maintaining and reporting project schedules using MS Project, including integrated master schedules across multiple projects in a programme or portfolio.
• Management of project resource demands to support the planned scope and schedule across multiple projects, a programme, or portfolio.
• Define, manage and control work packages and assignments.
• Successful subcontract management and generation of subcontract statements of work.
• Deploy issue, risk and opportunity management strategies, including schedule and cost risk analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as IFS.
• Collate project data and support effective reporting to meet business governance requirements.
• Ensure programmes align with overall business objectives.
• Oversee the entire programme or critical phases, ensuring interconnected parts work together.
• Focus on long‑term strategic benefits rather than just project deliverables.
• Manage programme‑level budgets and resources.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership for multiple projects and their managers.
• Ensure overall programme success and smooth operations toward organisational goals.
• Act as delegated authority for programmes when requested.
• Create, maintain and communicate project plans and technical documents that accurately reflect progress and planned activities for all internal and customer deliverables.
• Provide a monthly project report in the designated format, including accurate cost information.
• Ensure that project non‑conformances are reviewed and closed in a timely manner.

Required Skills & Experience

• Managed values £5m+ or equivalent high‑level exposure.
• APM Project Professional Qualification (PPQ) or in process, or a relevant engineering degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• High‑level stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in conflict and priority management.
• Experience in project finance, commercial, quality, supply chain and trade compliance.
• Experience defining and delivering programme and business critical success factors.
• Experience coaching and mentoring.
• Significant customer engagement experience.
• Can‑do attitude that represents Eaton PCS values.

Benefits

• Flexible working within core working hours.
• 25 days holiday (185hrs) with the option to buy or sell 5 days (37hrs) plus bank holidays.
• Annual salary in life assurance.
• Flexible benefits package.
• Funded health benefits.
• Pension scheme – up to 8% employer contributions.
• Supportive and friendly working environment with regular team events.

Nationality Requirements

Candidates must be able to work in the UK without restrictions and be prepared to successfully undertake an appropriate level of UK National Security Vetting.

Diversity & Inclusive Employer

Ultra PCS is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity, inclusion, equity, and equality. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

For more information about our company, click here to learn more about us.